Planning Your Trip to Reykjavik from Stansted Airport
A destination that tops many people’s bucket lists is Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital. Known for its spectacular, dark and cold winters and highly contrasting summers, this is a truly special place to visit, and offers many rich and varied attractions for the traveller who is looking for a more off-beat holiday destination. From the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis - or Northern Lights - to the incredible native flora and fauna and the cultural delights of this inspiring destination, there is something for everyone to explore whether you want to stay cosy and relax or really push your limits and get out of your comfort zone.
Top reasons to choose Reykjavik
There are so many things to see and do in Reykjavik, but many of these activities are dependent on the season. Summer days in June average 22 hours of daylight and temperatures don’t tend to go below 10 degrees Celsius. Winter, on the other hand, is known for extremely short daytime hours, with the shortest days providing only 5 hours of daylight and temperatures that hover between just above and just below freezing.
If you are looking for a city break to enjoy urban sightseeing, culture and cuisine, then you can take your pick and visit at any time of the year. If you plan on seeing the Northern Lights for yourself, then a winter visit will give you the best odds. Whale watching is another huge reason to visit Iceland in general. While you can spot whales all year round, the best months for this activity are between April and September. To sum up, the best reasons to visit Reykjavik are as follows:
- Rich, unique culture
- Local cuisine
- Whale watching
- Seeing the Aurora Borealis
- Museums and galleries
- Vibrant nightlife
- Unique local festivals
- Spectacular natural landscapes
Mapping out your trip to Reykjavik
Once you have decided on the kinds of activities you want to take part in you will have a clearer idea of whether you will prefer a summer or winter visit to Reykjavik. Next, you’ll need to decide how long you want to visit for. There is so much to see and do that you will want to spend at least a week here, especially if you plan on cramming in lots of different sights, attractions and experiences.
When flying from Stansted, you will want to arrange your car parking at Stansted Airport in advance because this is generally the best way to get a good deal. Other than that you might want to book a taxi to the airport or plan how you’ll get there using public transport. Do this at least a week before you plan to fly so you’ll have time to make changes if necessary.
When it comes to packing for a trip to Reykjavik, you really need to pay attention to the seasonal conditions and pack accordingly. Winter might not be as cold as you would think, but it is still certainly quite cold and you will need some cold weather gear to keep yourself comfortable. Down jackets are perfect for this, and you may also want to pack some merino wool base layers, waterproofs, and waterproof, insulated boots if you plan on making the most of the outdoors during the winter season.
Summer visitors can pack a little more lightly, though there is a good chance you will need a coat or at least a decent jacket. Temperatures of about 10 degrees Celsius can start to feel chilly, especially if you are used to warmer summer temperatures, and you may even want to take a light scarf and hat with you just in case you feel the chill. Night time temperatures do tend to be a little lower, so prepare yourself in advance by making sure you have enough layers you can put on and take off in order to regulate your temperature.
If you are planning on doing a lot of outdoor activities in and around Reykjavik, you’ll need a decent pair of boots whatever the season, and may want to pack some extras to help you make the most of your trip. These extras may include binoculars, a guide to local wildlife, phrasebooks, local maps, and plenty of spare socks!